A view of South Alexander Park from the shores of the Cannon River in North Alexander Park.
THE GOLDEN HOUR. Those three words hold great meaning to anyone into photography. It is the 60 minutes after sunrise and the 60 minutes before sunset—the time when natural light lends a softness to images.
A lone mallard swims in the quiet waters of the Cannon River in North Alexander Park.
Recently, I grabbed my camera to photograph early evening spring scenes at two Faribault city parks—North Alexander and Two Rivers. The results show the beauty of incredible natural light in making a photo.
Enjoy.
The converging of the Cannon and Straight Rivers at Two Rivers Park.
A nearly camouflaged bird along the banks of the Cannon River, North Alexander Park.
In the still of a beautiful May evening. trees reflect in the Cannon River as seen from North Alexander Park.
Lots of geese populate the Cannon, including this young family photographed in North Alexander Park.
The historic Faribault Woolen Mill sits along the Cannon River, photographed here from North Alexander Park.
Reflections at Two Rivers Park.
Picnic tables placed along the Cannon River in North Alexander Park (next to the recreational trail) provide riverside dining.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Gorgeous photos, Audrey! You live in a beautiful place. 🙂
Thank you, Penny. Minnesota is beautiful, especially in early spring when the landscape appears a lush green.
Have you experienced any storms in your area of Texas?
Just some heavy rain. Thankfully, I seem to be in a good pocket, weather-wise. The storms are either NE or south of us. Thanks for asking. I bet you’re happy to put the show shovels away! 🙂
Good to hear all is well in your neighborhood. Yes to stashing away the snow shovels.
The interesting thing about the Faribo Woolen MiIls was that I moved to St Paul before I actually toured the mill!
Well, I’ve never toured the mill. I should, huh?
Beautiful photo’s Audrey, especially that 1st one! I love the Golden hour 🙂
I knew you would appreciate the value of the golden hour.
Beautiful shots. I also enjoy the golden hours. With all the spring floods, we’re just starting to see field work and animals returning.
It’s certainly been a wet spring. So glad things are progressing in the northwestern area of MN.
Gorgeous images!
Audrey, you live there and haven’t been to the mill? That would ne like living in San Antonio and never having gone to the Alamo!
Oh, Gunny, I’ve been to the mill store many times. Just not toured the mill itself to see the process.
Looks like the water is still pretty high. Saw from the online news you guys are getting above average rainfall.
We definitely have had lots of rain in the past week and rivers run high. I feel for the farmers trying to get in the fields to plant.
So very pretty! What a beautiful park.
It is a beautiful riverside park.
I love mornings, but twilight is so calming and beautiful.
Both times of day hold such peace.
The hour after sunset can be quite stunning as well!
Good point.
Lovely photos!
Thank you kindly.
Indeed you were able to capture the golden hours. Stunning visual images that capture the serenity of the early day and early evening. I particularly liked the camfloused bird photo. .
Thank you, Sue. I have more photos from the golden hour currently on my CF card. More to come when I have time to process images and to write.
OOOO, such gorgeousness.
Makes one wonder how Heaven will even be BETTER)))
xx from Duluth.
Amen.